Saul chose him three thousand men of Israel; whereof two thousand were with Saul in Michmash and in mount Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin: and the rest of the people he sent every man to his tent.

1 SAMUEL 13:2KJV
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1 Samuel 13:2 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 13:2 mean?

1 Samuel 13:2 describes how Saul, the king of Israel, selected three thousand men from the people of Israel to form a standing army. Saul kept two thousand soldiers with himself at Michmash and Mount Bethel, while his son Jonathan led a thousand men at Gibeah in the territory of Benjamin; the rest of the people were sent home.

This verse sets the scene for a military campaign against the Philistines. Saul is organizing Israel’s first regular army, choosing a small group for active service while most people return to their daily lives. The verse highlights the leadership roles of Saul and Jonathan and introduces the locations that will be important in the coming events.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 13:2

  • בָּחַר (bachar, "chose"): This word means to select or pick out, emphasizing Saul’s deliberate decision in forming a select group rather than calling up the entire nation.
  • מִכְמָשׂ (Mikmash, "Michmash"): This is a strategic location north of Jerusalem, showing Saul’s awareness of where to position his forces for defense or attack.
  • שְׁאָר (she'ar, "rest"): The word for "rest" here refers to those not chosen for the army, highlighting the difference between the standing army and the general population.

Why 1 Samuel 13:2 matters

  • This verse marks a shift from the earlier pattern where Israel only gathered troops in times of crisis; Saul is now establishing a more permanent military structure.
  • The mention of Jonathan as a commander introduces him as a significant figure in the narrative, setting up his later actions and importance.
  • By specifying the locations and numbers, the verse helps readers understand the scale and strategy of Saul’s preparations, which will affect the unfolding conflict with the Philistines.

Where else these words appear

“Michmash” Hebrew H4363 · used in 11 verses

  • 1 Samuel 13:5 And the Philistines gathered themselves together to fight with Israel, thirty thousand chariots, and six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand which is on the sea shore in multitude: and they came up, and pitched in Michmash, eastward from Bethaven.
  • 1 Samuel 13:23 And the garrison of the Philistines went out to the passage of Michmash.
  • Ezra 2:27 The men of Michmas, an hundred twenty and two.

“Jonathan” Hebrew H3129 · used in 35 verses

  • 1 Samuel 13:3 And Jonathan smote the garrison of the Philistines that was in Geba, and the Philistines heard of it. And Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, Let the Hebrews hear.
  • 1 Samuel 14:27 But Jonathan heard not when his father charged the people with the oath: wherefore he put forth the end of the rod that was in his hand, and dipped it in an honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes were enlightened.
  • 1 Kings 1:42 And while he yet spake, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came: and Adonijah said unto him, Come in; for thou art a valiant man, and bringest good tidings.

“Gibeah” Hebrew H1390 · used in 43 verses

  • Joshua 15:57 Cain, Gibeah, and Timnah; ten cities with their villages:
  • Judges 20:21 And the children of Benjamin came forth out of Gibeah, and destroyed down to the ground of the Israelites that day twenty and two thousand men.
  • 1 Samuel 15:34 Then Samuel went to Ramah; and Saul went up to his house to Gibeah of Saul.

“Bethel” Hebrew H1008 · used in 63 verses

  • Genesis 12:8 And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, having Bethel on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto the LORD, and called upon the name of the LORD.
  • Judges 1:22 And the house of Joseph, they also went up against Bethel: and the LORD was with them.
  • 2 Kings 2:23 And he went up from thence unto Bethel: and as he was going up by the way, there came forth little children out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him, Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head.